1981 Chevy Truck loud noise

DALEWAYNE1

MEMBER
1981 CHEVROLET TRUCK
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
18,000 MILES

I was driving my truck home the other day and it started making a sqeeling and grinding sound. When I was about to turn in to my neighborhood the engine died. I tried to start it, but it was really hard for it to turn over. Every time the engine turned over it made the loud grinding and sqeeling sound, but would eventually start and continue making racket. We tested the battery, it was 12.4 and when we started the truck it went up to 14 volts, so the alternator fine. The power steering pump is full of fluid and the wheel turns fine. All the noise seems to be coming from underneath. A friend of mine is an ok mechanic, and he thinks that it may have a bearing in the crankshaft had slip, but with it running for about 15 minutes off and on making that racket he thinks the damage may have been done to the crankshaft and just putting a new bearing in would just be a band aid to the problem. What do you think? Ask me anything and I will try to answer to the best of my ability.

5 Replies

DR LOOT

MECHANIC
2,311 POSTS

I do not believe I am getting the whole story, I am not your attorney. Only your sidekick mechanic, I believe it is the alternator seizing up.

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Friday, November 27th, 2009 AT 6:18 PM

DALEWAYNE1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

What else would you like to know? We don't believe it's the alternator because it spins fine. We tested the battery before we started the truck and it was 12.4VDC and when we started the truck up it jumped to close to 14VDC. All the sqeeling and grinding sounds were coming from underneath the truck, which is why we kind of think it may be that one of the crank shaft bearings has went out on it. But we had it running for about 10 to 15 minutes off and on, so with it grinding and sqeeling during that time it may have messed up the crankshaft. What else should we try? I'm all ears for any help and suggestions.

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Saturday, November 28th, 2009 AT 12:26 PM

DR LOOT

MECHANIC
2,311 POSTS

I apologize, I did not think anyone read my messages, at any rate, with the mileage on the truck, I don't think the timing chain has ever been replaced, remove the water pump, and a harmonic balancer that will give you access to the timing chain cover removed the cover and tell me what you find.

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Saturday, November 28th, 2009 AT 2:57 PM

DALEWAYNE1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It's ok. I will try that. Is it better to put a single timing chain or one of those double timing chains. What will I be looking for when I get to it? Besides better strength what else would help. Do I have to pull the engine to this? About how much does something like this cost

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Saturday, November 28th, 2009 AT 5:30 PM

DR LOOT

MECHANIC
2,311 POSTS

You need not pull the engine to do this operation, actually it is a very simple timing chain to replace, you will have to remove the fan shroud and the fan, remove the water pump, and you will have to remove the harmonic balancer, you can rent that tool from your local parts store, it is called a "harmonic balancer puller". The timing chain is not very expensive, it will probably come with an upper sprockets, the lower sprocket will be sold separately, unless you get a double roller, Then it will come complete for about $85, I will give you my cell number to call me if you have any trouble during the operation. (785)218-7350